How to Set up a Cardano Node?

The constant evolution of the blockchain has made it a more mainstream technology. Such improvement contributes to its rapid market growth. Blockchain technology came along with Bitcoin in 2008, the first-generation blockchain that can facilitate only cryptocurrency transactions. Later, when Ethereum (second-generation blockchain) entered the blockchain space, it set a new definition of how blockchain technology can power enterprise-grade solutions and eliminate the need for third-party authentications.

Amidst the blockchain advancement and the advent of new protocols, scalability continued to create challenges for the first and second-generation blockchain users. Besides, lack of interoperability is another reason that disrupts the global utilization of diverse blockchain use cases. Blockchain experts realized the potential adverse impact of these short flaws, and thus we had the third generation blockchain, Cardano, in 2017. This article will explore Cardano, its diverse use cases and discover how to set up Cardano node. So, let’s start.

What is Cardano?

Cardano is a third-generation proof-of-stake blockchain platform designed to be open-source and decentralized. It addresses the challenges of first and second-generation blockchains. In addition, it eliminates the flaws of POS (proof-of-work) consensus mechanism such as high transaction cost, slow transaction processing, high energy consumption, etc.

Due to its open-source nature, the platform offers a range of Cardano development opportunities for worldwide developers. One can easily participate in the Cardano ecosystem and contribute to its sustainability by developing innovative solutions like a Stake pool, smart contracts, Cardano exchanges, and even a unique ecosystem.

What is a Cardano node, and how it works?

A node is the core component of the Cardano ecosystem that underpins the whole network. Ultimately, every blockchain network consists of various interconnected nodes to validate transactions and blocks via a consensus mechanism. Specifically, in Cardano, users are required to run Cardano node if they wish to join the platform and contribute to the open-source project.

So, how does a Cardano node work?

A Cardano node is a service node that imparts complete transparency across the network by validating how the pool interacts inside the network. The nodes further hold and manage the combined stake in a single entity.

Other core responsibilities:

Production of blocks

Cardano produces independently verifiable blocks across a peer-to-peer protocol through a robust block-producing system. It further adds security layers to decide which blocks should be added to extend the chain.

Validation of transactions

Nodes validate the transaction by appointing slot leaders who determine if the sender has enough funds to meet transaction parameters. Once confirmed, the slot leaders record data and assume it as an active block after the complete verification process.

How to set up a Cardano node?

We will discuss the step-by-step process of setting up the Cardano node from the source node and running the node into multiple operating systems.

For that, you need the following component setup for node installation:

• The latest operating system- Windows, Linux, or macOS.
• Dual-core CPU with 8GB RAM and 10GB disk space.

For Linux

Step1: Install operating system dependencies on the Linux system.

Step:2: Install GHC and Cabal using ghcup.

Step3: Download and compile a working directory to store source code and builds.

Step4: Configure the build option.

Step5: Build up and install the node.

For macOS Operating system

Here, we will explain the download, compilation, and installation process for the node.

Step1: Install operating system (OS) dependencies for MacOS.

Step2: Install homebrew packages.

The rest of the steps are the same as the node installation in Windows operating system (from step 3 to step 5).

For Windows operating system

Node installation for Windows is the same as macOS and Linux, but you need WSL (windows subsystem for Linx) that changes the windows environment into Linux.

Conclusion

With a highly mutative nature and the ability to embrace modern technologies, Cardano has brought significant change to the blockchain and its real-world implementations. Such overwhelming popularity has also empowered Cardano-based development & deployment services since this protocol supports scalable, interoperable, and sustainable enterprise-wide solutions at a reasonable cost.